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Global Score

The Engadget Global Score is a unique ranking of products based on extensive independent research and analysis by our expert editorial and research teams. The Global Score is arrived at only after curating hundreds, sometimes thousands of weighted data points (such as critic and user reviews).

conclusion:We like it

80
October 24th 2013 12:32 pm

It may look more like a Fisher Price toy than a sophisticated piece of modern gaming hardware, but the Nintendo 2DS hits a sweet spot that will please kids and (especially) their parents. While the odd, wedge-shaped design might be offputting, the Guardian finds it a "surprisingly comfortable object to hold," and TechCrunch says it's "cleverly designed, and fits nicely in the hands." It's a little less comfortable in pockets, though -- Ars Technica calls it "the least pocket friendly portable this side of a Sega Game Gear," and the lack of a clamshell means Pocket-Lint finds it "a pain to carry around." But you might not be carrying the 2DS around that much, with the battery life only offering about "3 to 5 hours or of play time" according to CNET, on par with the original 3DS. It also lacks the 3D functionality of the other models but, unless you're playing Mario 3D Land, TechRadar says it "won't affect gameplay." …show more And that's important, because it's no coincidence that the 2DS went on sale the same day as Pokémon X and Y: this is a system designed to sell games. The lower price of $129, a more durable design, and a lack of eye-straining 3D -- anything that might have caused parents (or budget-conscious gamers) to hesitate on purchasing a 3DS has been stripped away to create a friendlier entry point for gamers to experience Pokémon, Mario, Zelda, and all the other wonders of Nintendo's excellent 3DS games library.

The 2DS plays all the games I want it to play, costs a decent amount less than a 3DS, does away with needless 3D, and despite weighing slightly more, actually feels like a more durable travel companion (fewer moving parts definitely helps with that).

At $130, the 2DS offers a huge array of compelling software and makes for a great entry-level gaming system to the uninitiated first-time gamer. Just be sure to buy a protective case along with it, too.

The 2DS isn’t a cheap gimmicky handheld. It’s a solid one shorn of a gimmick (3D) and priced to kill. It’s not for gamers who want splashy 5-inch widescreens, but ... it’s the best version of this dedicated games handheld on the market, bar none.

The 2DS bounces somewhere between shrewd by concept and slovenly by design, thus we've ping-ponged its score down a reflect that. However, when all's said and done, it's the games that will sell it. And this is a Pokemon peddler if we ever saw it, which speaks for itself. Touch‪é‬ Nintendo.

My overall recommendation for those shopping for a Nintendo handheld gaming device is to go with the 3DS XL ... But if you’ve been holding out for a cheaper option or have younger children that you don’t want viewing content in 3D, than the 2DS is the way to go.

The 2DS is easy to use, and non-intimidating. It doesn’t feel like it would be easy to break. ... At $129.99 it’s also one of the least expensive gaming platforms on the market, and that’s going to be a huge advantage this holiday season.

This is otherwise an intelligent new iteration of the 3DS from Nintendo, a handheld that has built a fantastic collection of games. Assuming they are able to communicate clearly the advantages of the unit, and clear up any confusion over the name, it is likely to sell very well as Christmas...

If you're a gamer who hasn't jumped into the DS game yet, the 2DS is not the place you'll want to start. But if you're buying for someone younger who's been pestering you for the new Luigi's Mansion, the 2DS could be exactly what you need.

The 2DS is a great introductory model for anyone who has yet to pick up a 3DS, but it’s a difficult purchase to suggest for early adopters. ... this model was built with young gamers in mind ... providing a great opportunity to introduce the youngest generation to some modern Nintendo classics.

The small size makes it relatively easy to wrap adult-sized hands around the large, rounded shoulder buttons (which are even bigger than those on the XL) while still partially cradling the (somewhat pointy) bottom corners of the system with the palms.

Although you lose the pocketable approach thanks to the new bigger design we can see this will appeal to parents who are looking to save some cash and buy a device that isn't going to get snapped in half.

Overall, it wasn't a terrible gaming experience, though it may take some getting used to for fans of the original handheld. I can see the appeal for children, especially since the 2DS will launch the same day as Pokemon X & Y.

Just as Apple is rumoured to be working on a budget-price iPhone to attract a larger audience, Nintendo is hoping to capture a different userbase with the 2DS, the latest iteration on its handheld formula. Its launch is unlikely to upset anyone who's recently bought a 3DS or 3DS XL.

No, it might not be the best-looking console ever put out. However, with its cheap price tag and robust design the 2DS is a smart move for Nintendo to make right now. Current 3DS owners might as well move along, but come Christmas the kids will be lapping this up.

If the price of a Nintendo handheld has put you off picking up one, the 2DS could fit the bill. With the exception of the 3D display, it offers all the functionality of Nintendo’s handheld consoles and is a brilliant gateway into the superb DS back catalogue.

It feels cheap, for lack of a better word. But for $130, that's the point—though you'll probably have to shell out a few more bucks for a carrying case. It makes the $170 3DS and $200 3DS XL seem high-end in comparison.

Pretty much everything about the 2DS remains the same as the 3DS, including the stylus, the cameras that can still shoot images in 3-D, software options such as Nintendo Shop and other features. Only two things are missing: 3-D viewing -- which few players might miss -- and the clamshell design.

being a 22 year old I do certainly get some odd looks when carrying this bad boy around. The battery life is great at least for me, I can get almost three days of casual Pokemon play without having to run for a charger. The only problems that I have is that the touch screen is extremely...

I think its a pretty awesome handheld system, but I have to admit that I am kinda bias in some aspects. I will divide my review in 3 sub topics which I think pretty much sum ( at least for me) the " to look at" factors, if you already own a 3Ds skip to ( why i bought a 2Ds) 1. Nintendo &...

Honestly, this is a great system for me, but I know that I haven't chosen it by standards that most adults would have to deal with. I have autism with an auditory and tactile sensory processing disorder- I have trouble feeling pressure, heat, and cold, and I have trouble with loud or sudden...